The Cayman Islands Landmarks

Landmarks in the Cayman Islands allow visitors to peek into the history and culture of the country

The Cayman Islands attracts all types of vacationers: those who are interested in history, others who marvel at architecture, and those who would prefer to learn about island agriculture. Luckily, the islands have landmarks that will keep people of every persuasion occupied.

Museums

Cayman Islands National Museum

Assuming you enjoy expanding your knowledge of other places and cultures, you should consider visiting a museum during your time in the Cayman Islands. Just click on each place's name for additional information.

An interesting landmark worth visiting is National Trust House. It is located in Blossom Village, the Cayman Islands. The house is a traditional two story Caymanian home set among both dry and wetlands, and is known to have been living in during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tour gives guests an oral history of the area and the families who lived there, and there are many genuine artifacts to view that were once owned by the Watler Family who lived in the home for 77 years.

Another option is National Trust Visitor Center. It's a museum on the outskirts of the Cayman Islands. The Centre is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands: The permanent collection of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is housed on the second floor and features important pieces of Cayman artwork that has been growing since the inception of the National Gallery. Additionally, the gallery tries to host at least six rotating exhibits each year.

The chart below enables you to get some details concerning some available museums in the Cayman Islands.

Historical Sites

Fort George

If you enjoy experiencing the history of foreign countries, you might want to visit a few of these historical attractions during your stay.

Many travelers choose to visit Fort George. It is found within downtown Georgetown. Although landlocked and mostly in ruins, Fort George stands as an important historical landmark that tells the tale of a Cayman Islands once protected from this very spot by the local militia. The fort was built by locals using limestone and coral, though nobody can be sure exactly when, and after many years of little to no use, it was handed over to the National Trust.

Another common landmark for vacationers is East End Lighthouse Park. It is western the Cayman Islands. The park is open to guests daily.

Dr. Roy's Ironshore: Once upon a time, Dr. Roy's House stood as an important landmark in the eyes of the people of the Cayman Islands -- but unfortunately it was torn down in order to build a financial center. Though many people are still distraught over the building's demise, its memory lives on across the street on an interpretative sign overlooking the "Ironshore."

View the table just below to learn more about historic sites in the area.

Miscellaneous Landmarks

Visitors can experience some other worthwhile landmarks in this area.

If the more functional aspects of living by the sea intrigue you, consider heading to Cayman Brac Lighthouse. Cayman Brac Lighthouse isn't the most elaborate of its kind, but it is definitely worth a visit for the views and photo opportunities alone.

If you want to observe the beer-making process, another destination you might consider visiting is Cayman Islands Brewery. Tours of the Cayman Islands Brewery are conducted by the brewing staff, and take guests through the whole production process from brewing to bottling. The tour lets out into the gift shop, where guests can purchase a brew to take home.

Other kinds of landmarks in the Cayman Islands are summarized in the table below.

Luckily, there are a nice selection of kinds attractions available. To navigate to our complete page about other attractions, see this page.

Historic Homes & Buildings

Back in 1780 when only 400 people lived on the entire island of Grand Cayman, and in thatched houses, no less, a home was built using slave labor, called Pedro St. James. Later, on December 5, 1831, the house served as the site of the election of the island's first legislature election. Though a fire damaged the property in 1970, it was restored to its original greatness and now stands as a popular tourist attraction. Not only can visitors tour the house, making note of the magnificent view and mahogany floors as guides dressed in period costumes provide you with details about life in the house, but there is also a theater, gift shop, and cafe on site. The Pedro St. James National Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and costs CI$10 for adults over the age of 12.

Meanwhile, on Cayman Brac, the Spellman Mclaughlin Home stands as the only remaining piece of architecture from the Bracker era. Between 1926 and 1930, Captain Spellman McLaughlin built his home by hand from timber he brought home with him from Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. In fitting with the custom of the time, the kitchen was the center of the home, and all other rooms surrounded it. Brunzil Rivers, the youngest daughter of Captain Spellman McLaughlin inhabits the home to this day, and happily gives tours on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free of charge.

National Trust Heritage Properties

If you visit the National Trust Visitor Center on Grand Cayman, you can pick up a map that details all of the important natural and historical sites in the Cayman Islands. These sites include:

Touring the island is just another way to enhance your vacation in the Cayman Islands. Between brewery tours and historic homes, nothing is off limits to visitors who want to learn everything they can about life on the islands.